Clean room wipe mop head unit

ABSTRACT

A mop head unit that can be used for cleaning multiple surface types. The mop head unit is disposable and incorporates a mop head frame with a plurality of inflatable air chambers and a cleaning pad/wipe. The mop head frame and the cleaning pad/wipe are incorporated into a single mop head unit. The mop head unit may be used wet or dry.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/880,959, filed Jul. 31, 2019 titled “Clean Room Wipes,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a mop head unit that can be used for cleaning multiple surface types. The mop head unit is disposable and incorporates a mop head frame with a plurality of inflatable air chambers and a cleaning pad/wipe. The mop head frame and the cleaning pad/wipe are incorporated into a single mop head unit. The mop head unit may be used wet or dry.

BACKGROUND

There are two predominant types of cleaning mops. One type of mop is a string mop, having a mop head made up of a plurality of strings that are wetted with cleaning fluid and used to clean a surface. Another type of mop is a flat mop. A flat mop typically has a supporting mop head, which functions as a rigid frame, onto which is secured a cleaning pad or cloth. The cleaning pad or cloth may be secured to the frame of the mop head in various ways. In one example, a rear surface of the frame has a starburst shape into which the cleaning pad is pressed for securement. One notable example of this configuration is the Swiffer® family of cleaning products. In another example, the frame has a hook and loop component, and the cleaning cloth has a corresponding hook and loop component, such that the frame and cleaning cloth can be removably secured to one another. This allows the cleaning cloth to be removed and laundered. One notable example of this configuration is the Bona® family of cleaning products. A further example is referred to as butterfly or pocket mop. This configuration has a frame with side extensions onto which a cleaning cloth with pockets can be positioned. Each of these types of mops described requires a two-part configuration; the mop head frame and the cleaning cloth or pad are separate components. The cleaning cloth or pad is disposable (or reusable) and a new cleaning cloth or pad is positioned onto the mop head frame.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present inventors have sought to design a cleaning unit that uses only a single component as the mop head, rather than the above described two-part configurations. In order to provide a single mop head unit, the frame and cleaning pad are integrally formed into a single part. The frame obtains its rigidity due to a plurality of inflatable air chambers. The cleaning pad may be woven or nonwoven or any other appropriate substrate that can be secured to the inflated frame.

The disclosed clean room wipe is intended to function as a “no touch” cleaning system. As such, various types of mop handles are disclosed and possible for use therewith. Providing the mop head unit as a single part prevents the user from having to remove and replace the cleaning pad onto the frame. A “no touch” clean room wipe prevents the user from having to touch dirty wipes for removal and replacement. The “no touch” option also prevents a user from coming into contact with cleaning chemicals, as well as providing an option that can be used in a clean room or sterile environment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mop head unit that includes an inflatable mop head frame comprising a plurality of inflatable air chambers and a cleaning pad integrally attached to the mop head frame. The inflatable mop head may be provided in an inflated state or in a deflated state, such that a user inflates the inflatable mop head with a pump prior to use. If deflated, the user can inflate the mop head with a separately provided pump. In another options, the pump may be incorporated into a handle shaft.

The inflatable mop head may be made of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, various types of polyethylenes, blow-molded plastics, thermoplastic polyurethane, or any combination thereof. The cleaning pad may be made of a thin membrane of functional fabric, a nonwoven material, a knit material, a quilted material, a needled material, a woven material, a textile material, a microfiber material, a foam material, a polymeric material, or any combination thereof. Other materials are possible and considered with the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, any combination of these materials of also possible.

In one embodiment there may be an intermediate layer for absorption or solution application. In another embodiment, the plurality of inflatable air chambers define a first bladder and there is also a second bladder or core component provided enclosing a cleaning/chemical solution. Inflation of the first bladder can cause the second bladder to burst, releasing the cleaning/chemical solution. Or inflation of the first bladder can press on the core to release the cleaning/chemical solution.

It is possible for the cleaning pad to have one or more pockets configured to receive arms of a mop handle. In one complete version, there may be provided a cleaning implement, comprising: the mop head unit described herein and a handle. The handle can have hingeable arms along a handle shaft. In another example, the handle can include a head configured to be received by the mop head unit and a pump configured to inflate the plurality of inflatable air chambers of the mop head unit. Combinations of any of these features may incorporated together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of one embodiment of a mop head unit according to this disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the mop head unit of FIG. 1, with an intermediate layer.

FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a mop head frame having a plurality of inflatable air chambers.

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the mop head frame of FIG. 3 with a cleaning pad attached.

FIG. 5 shows a side plan schematic view of a mop head unit having a second bladder or core for holding chemical/cleaning solutions, with the plurality of inflatable air chambers in an un-inflated or only partially inflated state.

FIG. 6 shows a side plan schematic view of the mop head unit of FIG. 5 with the plurality of inflatable air chambers inflated.

FIG. 7 shows a side plan schematic view of the mop head unit of FIG. 6, with the inflation reaching a point at which the second bladder or core bursts to release the solution contained therein.

FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of a mop head unit with a cleaning pad having side pockets.

FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a mop handle having hingeable arms configured to be received by the side pockets of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of hingeable arms prior to insertion into side pockets.

FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the hingeable arms inserted into side pockets.

FIG. 12 shows an alternate mop handle embodiment with a head configured to be received by a valve of the mop head unit.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of optional pattern for the inflatable bladders.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of an alternate optional pattern for the inflatable bladders

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure thus provide a cleaning system that has a mop head unit 10 that incorporates the frame and cleaning pad integrally into a single component. (It should be understood that the term “integral” is used herein to mean that the frame and the pad are provided as a one piece unit. Although it is likely possible that a user could peel the pad away from the frame upon force and effort, that is not the intention of this disclosure. “Integrally formed” means that the frame and pad are sold in a configuration in which they are adhered, welded, bonded, or otherwise attached to one another such that the user does not apply the cleaning pad to the mop head frame for use, but that the components are initially provided as pre-formed together). One example of such a mop head unit 10 illustrated by FIG. 1. The mop head unit 10 incorporates a mop head frame 12 and a cleaning pad 14 into one piece, preventing the user from having to remove and replace the cleaning pad with respect to the frame. Once the clean room wipe system has been used, the user may dispose of the entire mop head unit 10. This eliminates the need for a mop head with a separate cover/wipe/pad configuration.

The disclosed system has been found particularly useful in clean rooms, where clean surfaces are of utmost importance. The system may be used on floors, countertops, walls, ceilings, or any other appropriate surface. For example in an operating room or clean environment or other controlled environments where everything used must be sterilized or autoclaved, use of the disclosed system can help eliminate one risk point. The majority of what touches the floor is disposable, decreasing the risk profile. The mop handle used in connection with the mop unit head disclosed can be autoclaved; certain embodiments have curved surfaces that eliminate the option for any crevices to harbor bacteria.

The cleaning pad 14 may be laminated, welded, adhered by adhesive, bonded, melt bonded, or applied to the mop head frame 12 using any appropriate manufacturing method. The manufacturing method employed may depend upon the materials used for the frame 12 and pad 14.

Referring now to the mop head frame 12, in one embodiment, the frame 12 is formed via a plurality of inflatable air chambers 16. One example is illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2. Inflation of the air chambers 16 creates a rigid structure. This may be referred to as an air frame support structure. In one embodiment, the mop head frame 12 is provided in a pre-filled, inflated configuration. This allows the user immediate use. In an alternate embodiment, the mop head frame 12 may be provided in a deflated configuration. In this example, it is possible to include or sell separately a pump that can be used to inflate the inflatable air chambers 16 prior to use. This can help reduce shipping size and resulting shipping costs. The pump may be similar to a hand-held basketball (or other ball) pump or similar to an upright/standing bicycle pump. The pump may also be integrated into a mop handle, as described in more detail below. Any number of options are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. If the mop head frame 12 is provided in its deflated configuration, the user may attach a pump head to a valve on the mop head frame 12 in order to inflate the chambers 16.

In the examples shown by FIGS. 2-7, the inflatable air chambers 16 may be elongated tubular chambers. As shown by FIG. 3, each chamber end 18 may be sealed or welded shut for air-tight closure. The chambers 16 may be fluidly connected such that inflation at a point of one chamber allows air to flow to adjacent chambers. (This may be particularly useful for the inflation-on-site option described above.) In this example, at least one chamber may be provided with a valve. Other inflation air chamber shapes are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the inflation chambers may be a series of squares, rectangles, triangles, round shapes (think of bubble wrap with circular or oblong air chambers), squiggly designs, sideways designs, or any other appropriate shape. Non-limiting examples are illustrated by FIGS. 13 and 14. The shape may be determined based on mop head frame material or size of the mop head frame. The general goal is to provide a flat or substantially flat surface that can be used to clean. In one example, it is possible for there to be one or more channels 20 positioned between each inflatable air chamber 16. The channels 20 may be necessarily present due to manufacturing of the chambers themselves. The channels 20 may also be useful in capturing and holding collected dirt into the crevices, voids, or grooves defined by the channels 20. The cleaning pad 14 may be secured to the mop head frame 12 such that it follows and/or honors the shape of these channels 20, as illustrated by FIG. 4. This figure shows an upper surface of a cleaning pad secured to a mop head frame, with the cleaning pad tracing or otherwise tracking the same shape of the air chambers 16 and channels 20.

The mop head frame 12 may be manufactured of a high-strength polymer, such that it maintains its rigidity once inflated. Non-limiting examples of potential materials include but are not limited to vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, various types of polyethylenes, blow-molded plastics, thermoplastic polyurethane, or any combination thereof. Any other number of options of materials for the mop head frame 12 are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. It is generally desirable that the material be flexible, capable of holding air, and capable of maintaining a rigidity upon pressure received during wiping/cleaning processes. It is also desirable that the material be resistant to various types of cleaning chemicals and gamma irradiation.

Referring now to the cleaning pad 14, it is possible for the pad to be provided as a thin membrane of functional fabric. It is possible for the pad to be provided as a nonwoven material. An exemplary nonwoven material that has been tested is a nonwoven layer manufactured and sold by Porex® Corporation. It is possible for the pad to be provided as a knit material. It is possible for the pad to be provided as a quilted material. It is possible for the pad to be provided as a needled material. It is possible for the pad to be provided as a woven material. It is possible for the pad to be provided as a textile material. It is possible for the pad to be provided as a microfiber material. It is possible for the pad to be provided as a foam material. It is possible for the pad to be provided as a polymeric material. Any combination of the above-listed materials is also possible. Any other number of options of materials for the cleaning pad 14 are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. It is generally desirable that the material be capable of cleaning a surface (either in a wet and/or dry configuration) and maintaining its structure upon pressure received during wiping/cleaning processes.

The cleaning pad 14 may be provided as a single layer, or as multiple layers. It is also possible to provide an intermediate layer 22 positioned in between the frame 12 and the pad 14. This option is illustrated by FIG. 2. This intermediate layer 22 may be an absorbent/release layer for fluid management. For example, intermediate layer 22 may be provided in order to absorb liquid spills. For example, intermediate layer 22 may be provided in order to help hold and release cleaning chemicals that may be provided/stored in the mop head unit 10. It is also possible to provide more than one intermediate layer 22.

The cleaning pad 14 may be designed for use either wet or dry. If the cleaning pad is intended for use wet, it is possible to provide a bladder of cleaning solution integrally formed into the mop head unit 10. One example is illustrated by FIGS. 5-7. In this embodiment, there is a first set of inflatable air chambers 16, which function as the air frame support, described above. This component may also be referred to as a first bladder. There may also be provided a second bladder or core component 24 that functions as a chemical chamber. This bladder or core component 24 may enclose, hold, or otherwise contain a cleaning/chemical solution. When the component 24 is punctured or burst, it releases the cleaning/chemical solution. FIG. 5 shows one example of a mop head unit 10 designed for wet cleaning in an uninflated (or only partially inflated) configuration. As the first set of bladder/inflatable air chambers 16 is inflated (as illustrated by FIG. 6), it can cause the component 24 to burst, releasing the cleaning/chemical solution contained therein. For example, inflation pressure from the inflation can cause the second bladder 24 to fail, such that it breaks to release the solution. Alternatively, if the component 24 is a core saturated with solution, inflation of the inflatable air chambers 16 can apply pressure to the core and cause release of the solution contained therein. In a further alternate embodiment, it may be desirable for the user to manually puncture the second bladder 24 in order to release the solution. This could be done via a foil covering or film separation in a package, with saturation to be performed at point of use. Other options are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. Once the cleaning/chemical solution has been released from the component 24, the solution may be absorbed by the cleaning pad 14, such that it may be applied to the surface upon use. This is illustrated by FIG. 7.

The cleaning pad 14 is affixed to the mop head frame 12 in such a way that the components are integrally formed. In one example, the cleaning pad 14 may be affixed to the mop head frame 12 when it is in its un-inflated configuration. This attachment may be via welding, via an adhesive, or by any other appropriate manner. One benefit of this integral formation is the absence of crevices or areas where debris can build-up or collect. This enhances autoclavbility of the system if as needed for the environment in which it is to be used.

It is not intended for the cleaning pad 14 to be removed and replaced onto the mop head frame 12 by the user. Instead, the mop head unit 10 is provided pre-formed, such that the user can simply attach a handle to the mop head unit 10 (if desired) and begin immediate use. Exemplary handle and attachment options are illustrated by FIGS. 8-11.

FIG. 8 shows the cleaning pad 14 secured to a mop head frame 12. In this example, the lower surface of the mop head frame 12 and the lower surface of the cleaning pad 14 (the surfaces that face the surface to be cleaned in use) are not visible. This figure illustrates the upper surface of the mop head frame 12 and the upper surface of the cleaning pad 14. As shown, it is possible for the upper surface of the cleaning pad 14 to have one or more side pockets 30. These pockets 30 may be shaped to receive arms 32 of a mop handle, illustrated by FIG. 9. These arms 32 may be hingeable with respect to a handle shaft 36 (illustrated by FIG. 10), such that they may slide into pockets 30 when the handle shaft 36 is lowered toward the mop head unit 10, as shown by FIG. 11. It should be understood, however, that other handle options are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure.

An alternate handle option could be a handle 38 having a head 40 that can be received by and inflate the mop head unit 10. One example is illustrated by FIG. 12. In this example, the handle shaft 42 may be provided with a pump 44. The head 40 can be inserted into the mop head unit 10 and received by a valve 46 or other receiving feature for the head 40. The pump 44 may then be activated (either manually or electrically) in order to inflate the inflatable air chambers 16 of the mop head frame 12. (This embodiment may function either dry or wet; if the web version is provided, inflation of the mop head frame can puncture the second bladder 24, as described above).

In use, the disclosed clean room wipe is usable on multiple surface types, including floors, walls, ceilings, or any other appropriate surface. It may be used on its own or with a handle. It may be used wet or dry. It may be used with additional cleaning chemicals or with cleaning chemicals released from the second bladder or core component (if provided).

The subject matter of certain embodiments of this disclosure is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

It should be understood that different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be made to the structures and methods recited above and shown in the drawings without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention disclosure and the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mop head unit, comprising: an inflatable mop head frame comprising a plurality of inflatable air chambers; and a cleaning pad integrally attached to the mop head frame.
 2. The unit of claim 1, wherein the inflatable mop head is provided in an inflated state.
 3. The unit of claim 1, wherein the inflatable mop head is provided in a deflated state, such that a user inflates the inflatable mop head with a pump prior to use.
 4. The unit of claim 3, wherein the pump is a separately provided pump.
 5. The unit of claim 3, wherein the pump is incorporated into a handle shaft.
 6. The unit of claim 1, wherein the inflatable mop head comprises vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, various types of polyethylenes, blow-molded plastics, thermoplastic polyurethane, or any combination thereof.
 7. The unit of claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad comprises a thin membrane of functional fabric, a nonwoven material, a knit material, a quilted material, a needled material, a woven material, a textile material, a microfiber material, a foam material, a polymeric material, or any combination thereof.
 8. The unit of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate layer for absorption or solution application.
 9. The unit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inflatable air chambers define a first bladder and further comprising a second bladder or core component enclosing a cleaning/chemical solution.
 10. The unit of claim 9, wherein inflation of the first bladder causes the second bladder to burst, releasing the cleaning/chemical solution.
 11. The unit of claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad comprises one or more pockets configured to receive arms of a mop handle.
 12. A cleaning implement, comprising: the mop head unit of claim 1; and a handle.
 13. The implement of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises hingeable arms along a handle shaft.
 14. The implement of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises a head configured to be received by the mop head unit and a pump configured to inflate the plurality of inflatable air chambers of the mop head unit. 